Newbie to DSLR with Rebel ?

Hello All, new to forum and brand new to DSLR photography. I have a question about a used Rebel XT I bought, everything seems normal except one thing...how do you zoom? Camera has the kit EFS 18-55 lens, I can manually zoom but haven't figured out how in auto modes.
I see the magnifying glass icon buttons at my right thumb but no response when used, what am I doing wrong.
Thanks for any feedback.

There is a slider switch on the side of the lens, it's probably in manual focus mode (MF).

The magnifying glass doesn't have anything to do with the focus mode, BTW. In AF, the lens will focus automatically when you depress the shutter release button.

Read the manual, it will answer most if not all of your questions.

There is no power zoom. Manual only on a DSLR. Focus is auto if enabled. Exposure is auto in most modes except M and B. Select the green box for full auto exposure.

See I knew this was the right place, thank you all.

If you don't have it, the XT manual in PDF format can be had here:

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com …8/01/EOSDRXT350​DIM-EN.pdf

I can't speak for the kit EFS 18-55 lens, but on many inexpensive lenses (like the 18-55mm) you need to be careful about focusing if the lens is in an "auto" focus mode. If you rotate the focusing mode while auto focus is enabled you can damage the lens.

Excuse me for being brutally honest: You have a lot to learn. Your lens zooms with a ring on the lens, there is not a button on the camera. Read the manual. That being said, I have found the manufacturer's manuals to be better than nothing but not much better. Search this forum and other sources for information about your specific camera. Used third party books should be really cheap.

This is great information about photography. It is better than many books. https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=414088

If/when you want a telephoto zoom lens, the Canon 55-250mm lens is a great value. You might want a flash that is better than the one built into the camera. Most people that use a flash purchase one that attaches to the top of the camera. I recommend an E-TTL flash that will tilt and swivel. The Canons are not cheap, probably more than you paid for the XT.

Go slow when purchasing any gear. It can get really expensive in a hurry. Practice, practice, practice and welcome to the world of DSLR photography. Enjoy!

John from PA wrote in post #14925583
I can't speak for the kit EFS 18-55 lens, but on many inexpensive lenses (like the 18-55mm) you need to be careful about focusing if the lens is in an "auto" focus mode. If you rotate the focusing mode while auto focus is enabled you can damage the lens.

Yes, I broke my 18-55 autofocus wire before. Fixed it for 30 bucks third party. ****ty lens anyways.

Dino100 wrote in post #14923761
See I knew this was the right place, thank you all.

yeah, like others have said, there is no auto zoom but you're find zooming manually easy enough

I would highly recommend a guide book such as the Digital Field Guides for your camera:
http://www.amazon.com …ds=xt+digital+f​ield+guide

It is much better than the manual the comes with the camera. The field guide book actually explains what the various settings are for and recommendations on how to shoot landscapes, potraits, etc. A great starter book.

Welcome to the DSLR world! It's expensive and overwhelming at times, but a lot of fun!